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No minimum number of attendeesNo minimum number of attendees is required for the tour
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Free booking and cancellationFree payment tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free
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Take is a small local free tour company that wants to show its cities to the world. We have a team of talented and passionate guides who want to show you the nooks and crannies, secrets and stories of our unforgettable city. Come and discover Lisbon, Porto, Braga and Guimarães and all the charms and charisma of Portugal. Certificates of Excellence by TripAdvisor since 2018.
Hop on board the Off the Beaten Track Free Tour and let's dive headfirst into a whirlwind adventure right through the pulsating heart of Lisbon! This isn’t your run-of-the-mill tour; oh no, it’s a full-blown expedition across time itself, taking you through the winding streets of Mouraria and Graça. Imagine strutting across centuries-old cobblestones, being greeted by dazzling murals, and whispering sweet nothings to the ancient buildings that have stood the test of time. Lisbon isn’t just a city; it’s a melting pot of cultures that’s been simmering deliciously for centuries!
Praça da Figueira: Your Time Machine Awaits!
Kickstart this epic journey under the watchful eye of King João I at Praça da Figueira. Feel the vibe of history pulsating through this bustling square, your gateway to Lisbon’s soul-stirring past. Surrounded by legendary spots like the whimsical Hospital das Bonecas and the scrumptious Confeitaria Nacional, this square isn’t just a place; it’s the prologue to our enchanting story of discovery.
Mouraria & Largo dos Trigueiros: Where Cultures Collide and Create Magic
Wander into Mouraria, and bam! You’re smack in the middle of Lisbon’s cultural melting pot. Catch your breath as Mário Dionísio’s mesmerizing mural captures your imagination, a vivid postcard from the past that somehow found its way here. And just when you think it can’t get any better, Largo dos Trigueiros winks at you with its world of wonders, from Mozambican bites to French chic in tile form, all singing in harmony.
Beco das Farinhas & Largo da Graça: Where Every Stone Tells a Story
Deep in the heart of Beco das Farinhas, Camila Watson’s "Tribute" lays bare the soul of Lisbon, challenging us to keep the spirit of the city alive amidst change. Climb up to Graça and catch your breath as the view sweeps you off your feet, whispering tales of Villa Sousa, a beacon of community and resilience in the face of progress. This spot isn’t just pretty; it’s profound, telling the untold stories of those who built this city.
From Stunning Views to Quiet Contemplation: A Journey Through Time
Prepare to have your mind blown at the Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen Viewpoint, where views for days compete with the rich tapestry of history at the Convent of Graça. Then, step into the serene world of the Convent of Mónicas, a hallowed spot that’s seen it all, from prayers to prison life, now standing as a testament to Lisbon’s layered history.
Sacred Spaces: Diving Deep into Lisbon’s Spiritual Heart
Our adventure doesn’t stop there! The Church of São Vicente de Fora beckons, its walls echoing tales of devotion and dynasty, offering a glimpse into the era when Philip of Spain held sway over Portugal. And as our journey culminates at the National Pantheon, we stand in awe of Portugal’s heroes, encapsulating our voyage with a sense of wonder and respect.
Why Join the Off the Beaten Track Free Tour?
Because this is your golden ticket to leap through Lisbon’s history, to live its legends, and to feel the heartbeat of one of Europe’s most spellbinding cities. This tour is more than a walk; it’s a dance through time, an embrace with the past, and a flirt with the future. So, are you ready to dive into Lisbon’s saga and become a part of its continuing story? Let’s make memories that will echo through the ages!
Praça Figueira | Statue of King on a Horse | Blue umbrellas with yellow letters
Praça da Figueira is not just a square; it's a living museum of Lisbon's transformation. Once the site of All Saints Hospital, destroyed in the devastating 1755 earthquake, it was reshaped into a central market before evolving into the vibrant space we see today. The statue of King João I, erected in 1971, commemorates the founder of the Avis Dynasty, symbolizing stability and authority following the 1383-1385 Crisis. This square is encircled by landmarks like the Hospital das Bonecas, a doll hospital since
Mouraria, where Lisbon’s heartbeat of multiculturalism pulses stronger, owes its name to the Moors who remained after the Christian reconquest. The neighborhood’s walls, adorned with Mário Dionísio's murals, tell tales of resistance, art, and community. Dionísio’s work, intended for Rossio Station but finding a home here, serves as a canvas reflecting Lisbon’s vibrant cultural mosaic.
Largo dos Trigueiros is a testament to Lisbon’s enduring spirit of diversity and unity. The square, with its small yet significant footprint, narrates the city’s multicultural ethos through every corner, from the Mozambican cuisine of Cantinho do Aziz to the artistic tiles of French ceramists. It’s a microcosm of Lisbon's ability to harmonize various cultural threads into a cohesive social fabric.
In Beco das Farinhas, Camila Watson’s "Tribute" captures the essence of Lisbon’s changing face. This vibrant alleyway, transformed into an open-air gallery, not only celebrates the neighborhood's residents but also chronicles the city's ongoing dialogue between its historical roots and the forces of modernization and gentrification.
The story of Fado, Portugal’s soulful musical genre, and its legends come alive at Largo and Church of São Cristóvão. The "Fado Vadio" mural near the church that was restored through community effort symbolizes Lisbon's resilience and the deep connection between its people and their cultural expressions. The tale of Maria Severa Onofriana, considered the first Fado singer, intertwines with the district's history, emphasizing the role of Mouraria in birthing the hauntingly beautiful sounds of Fado.
Largo da Achada’s medieval house, considered Lisbon’s oldest, stands as a silent witness to centuries of history. This area's name, translating to "the found," shoudl refer to the discovery of a significant religious artifact or site, but it does not, adding layers of mystery and intrigue to its narrow, winding streets.
The Convento da Rosa's history mirrors the ebb and flow of Lisbon's societal and architectural tides. From its foundation in the 16th century to the present, it has witnessed the transformation of Lisbon through the ages, serving as a poignant reminder of the city's ability to adapt and evolve amidst the pressures of time and modernity.
This street brings to life the history of the Jesuits in Portugal, marking the site of their first college established in the 16th century. It also introduces Jean Nicot, the French diplomat who introduced tobacco to France, hence the term nicotine, weaving a tale of global connections that began in Lisbon’s streets.
The narrative of Lisbon’s conquest and its strategic importance unfolds on Rua da Costa do Castelo. The legend of the Virgin of Graça, said to have played a pivotal role in the Portuguese victory at the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385, showcases the intertwining of faith and history in shaping the identity of Lisbon and Portugal at large.
Named after one of Portugal’s most celebrated poets, this viewpoint offers more than just stunning vistas; it embodies the cultural and historical richness of the Convent of Graça. The tiles that adorn this area are not mere decorations but narrate Lisbon's storied past, reflecting its aesthetic sensibilities and historical events.
Largo da Graça's narrative is deeply entwined with the concept of workers’ villages like Villa Sousa, highlighting the industrial era’s impact on Lisbon’s urban landscape. Natália Correia's Botequim encapsulates the intellectual ferment of the 20th century, serving as a hub for Lisbon's literary and artistic avant-garde.
The story of the Convento das Mónicas and its transformation from a religious institution to a prison encapsulates the theme of change and adaptation. This site, coupled with the legend of Dona Branca, the so-called "people's banker," weaves a complex narrative of Lisbon's social and economic history.
Dedicated to Lisbon’s patron saint, Vincent of Saragossa, the Church of São Vicente de Fora stands as a monument to the city’s religious devotion and architectural grandeur. Its connection to Philip of Spain’s rule over Portugal in the Iberian Union (1580-1640) underscores the complex layers of Lisbon’s historical narrative, marked by periods of foreign dominion and national sovereignty.
The National Pantheon, originally the Church of Santa Engrácia, embodies the transformation of Lisbon through its architectural evolution and the notable figures it commemorates. The Feira da Ladra, or "Thieves' Market," held nearby, offers a living tapestry of Lisbon’s vibrant cultural and social life, linking the past with the present.
Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).